Oven-Baked Meals: A Steamer Alternative

Steaming is a moist-heat cooking method that uses steam to cook your food. While steaming is typically done on a stovetop, it can also be done in an oven. To steam in an oven, you can use a roasting pan with a rack, a large pot, a heatproof plate, and some aluminium foil. First, heat the oven to a low temperature (around 200°F). Then, bring a teapot of water to a boil and pour about half an inch of water into a large pot. Place the food in a single layer on a baking rack and put it over the pot. Cover the whole thing with aluminium foil and place it in the oven.

Alternatively, you can use a disposable aluminium pie pan. Poke holes in the bottom of the pan and place it upside down in a pot filled with an inch of water. Place the food on top of the inverted pan.

How to steam vegetables in the oven

Steaming vegetables is a great way to cook them without losing their flavour and nutrients. It's also a handy way to save on washing up, as you don't need to use a pan. Here's how to steam vegetables in the oven.

Step 1: Prepare your vegetables

Wash and chop your vegetables into pieces of roughly the same size. This will ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2: Get your equipment ready

You will need a baking tray, two sheets of aluminium foil, a kettle or pot of boiling water, and an oven-safe pot or pan.

Step 3: Assemble your parcel

Place one sheet of foil on top of the baking tray. Add your vegetables, along with any seasonings of your choice—olive oil, salt, lemon, and herbs all work well. Cover with the second sheet of foil, and crimp the edges together to seal the steam inside.

Step 4: Cook your vegetables

Place the tray in the oven and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the top sheet of foil and return the vegetables to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Step 5: Serve

Allow the vegetables to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

How to steam fish in the oven

Steaming fish in the oven is a great way to cook a healthy, tasty meal without needing any fancy equipment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam fish in the oven:

Prepare the Fish

Firstly, preheat your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, prepare your fish. Clean the fish under lukewarm water to remove any debris, and scrape off any lingering scales with a knife. If you are using fillets, be very gentle as the flesh can easily break.

Seasoning

Now it's time to season your fish. You can use any spices and herbs you like. Some popular options include lemon pepper, soy sauce, paprika, garlic powder, or an Italian blend. If you are using a whole fish, season the interior rather than the outside. You can also stuff the cavity with fresh herbs or vegetables.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Line a baking dish with aluminium foil, making sure you have enough to wrap around the fish completely. Place a grill rack inside the baking dish.

Add Liquid

Pour lemon juice over the fish. You will need approximately 3 tablespoons of lemon juice for every 4 ounces of fish. You can also use other liquids like water or stock, but adjust the amount accordingly. Add about 2 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the baking dish.

Wrap the Fish

Wrap the foil around the fish, leaving a small opening at one end for the steam to escape. Make sure the seal is tight so that the steam doesn't escape.

Steam the Fish

Place the baking dish in the oven and let the fish steam. The cooking time will depend on the type and size of the fish. For example, a whole fish will take around 30-40 minutes, while fillets will take 15-20 minutes. Use a food thermometer to check if the fish is done; the internal temperature should be 145°F.

Serve

Once the fish is cooked to your desired doneness, carefully unwrap the foil and transfer the fish to a plate. Serve it with your choice of sides and enjoy!

How to steam without a steamer basket

Steaming is a moist heat cooking method that is simple, quick, and requires very few ingredients. It is usually done using a steamer basket or bamboo steamer, but there are other ways to achieve the same results without these tools. Here are some methods to steam without a steamer basket:

Using a Plate and Foil

This method involves using a large pot, a heatproof plate, and some aluminum foil. First, roll three sheets of aluminum foil into balls about the size of a baseball or golf ball. Place them at the bottom of the pot and pour in about half an inch of water. Then, rest a heat-proof plate on top of the foil balls and add the food you want to steam to the plate. Finally, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it steam.

Using a Wire Cooling Rack

If you have an elevated wire cooling rack, you can use it instead of a steamer basket. Add an inch of water to a pot with a tight-fitting lid, place the wire cooling rack inside, and put your food on top of the rack. Close the lid and steam until your food is cooked to your desired doneness.

Using a Disposable Aluminum Pie Pan

You can also use a disposable aluminum pie pan as a steamer basket substitute. Poke several holes into the bottom of the pan and place it upside down in a pot filled with about an inch of water. Place your food on top of the inverted pan, making sure it doesn't touch the water. Cover the pot and let it steam.

Steaming in the Microwave

This method is ideal for steaming vegetables quickly. Place your food in a microwave-safe bowl, add a few tablespoons of water, and cover the bowl tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic wrap doesn't touch the food. Microwave for 4-6 minutes, or until your food is fork-tender.

Using a Strainer or Colander

Place your food in a large kitchen strainer or colander and put it on top of a pot of boiling water. Make sure the strainer or colander is elevated so that the water doesn't touch the food. Cover the pot to trap the steam and cook until your food is ready.

How to steam bread in the oven

Steaming bread in the oven is a great way to achieve a crusty loaf with a chewier crust and a better crumb structure. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:

Prepare the Oven and Pans:

Before you start baking, gather all your tools and have them ready within reach. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature, usually between 400-500°F (200-260°C). Place a cast-iron pan or a heavy-duty stainless steel pan filled with lava rocks or other heat-retentive materials (clean nuts and bolts, metal chain, etc.) on the oven shelf below where the bread will be baked. You can also place a baking stone or steel in the oven to preheat along with it. Additionally, you can boil some water and pour it over towels in a rectangular baking pan, fully saturating them, and place them in the oven's back corner.

Prepare the Dough:

Mix your bread dough according to your recipe. Remember that the ideal temperature range for instant and active dry yeast to activate is 100-108°F (37-42°C). Once the dough has risen, gently press it out into a rectangle and fold it lengthwise into thirds. Then, turn it 90° and fold again to create a neat, loaf-shaped blob.

Bake the Bread:

Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and slide it onto the preheated baking stone or steel in the oven. Quickly toss a cup of ice or pour boiling water into the pan with lava rocks to create steam. Optionally, you can also spray the loaves with a hand spritzer or spray bottle to add more moisture. Close the oven door and let the bread bake for about 20 minutes. After this initial baking period, remove the steaming pans to stop the steaming process and continue baking until the bread is done.

Tips for Success:

• Use a thermometer to check if your bread is baked; the internal temperature should read 190°F/88°C in the center of the loaf.
• Be careful when adding water to a hot oven to avoid cracking the glass.
• If you're baking multiple loaves, use two sheets of parchment paper to adjust the space between them as they expand.
• For an even chewier crust, try refrigerating the shaped dough overnight before baking.

The benefits of steam cooking

Steam cooking is a popular method used in commercial kitchens and at home. Here are some of the benefits of steam cooking:

Health Benefits

Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook your food. It is a fat-free cooking method, which is great for your waistline. It also helps lock in flavour and nutrients, such as vitamins and antioxidants. For example, steamed broccoli gains around 12% in weight from water when boiled, but only 4% when it is steamed.

Steaming is also better than cooking with oil as it is lower in calories and cholesterol. It is also a great way to cook delicate foods, such as vegetables and seafood, as it cooks at a lower temperature than grilling, roasting or frying.

Taste and Appearance

Steaming helps food retain its colour, shape, texture and taste. This is because there is no direct contact with hot water or extreme heat. For example, steamed vegetables are less likely to become limp and mushy, and are more likely to stay crisp and vibrant.

Efficiency

Steaming is quick and easy. Once the food is prepped, you simply put it into the appliance and let the steam cook it. There is no need to keep checking on the food to ensure it is not burning or boiling over. It is also versatile, as many different types of food can be steamed.

Cost and Environmental Benefits

Steaming is perfect if you are looking to reduce your fuel bills. It also helps to reduce the amount of water you use, which is good for the planet.

Frequently asked questions